DNR - Page 14

A 27-pound bighead carp caught in the St. Croix River recently is being used by Minnesota officials to rally support for slowing the spread of such invasive species. Bighead carp are one of several invasive carp species that the Department of Natural Resources says could seriously harm the state's native fish species and aquatic ecosystems.

Officials with the Department of Natural Resources have a message for Minnesota hunters and anglers: We need more money. They're stumping for higher license fees, a provision that's part of Gov. Mark Dayton's budget proposal.

It's the time of year when state fire officials want you to be aware of the dangers of wildfires. Wildfire prevention started in Minnesota after the great Hinckley Fire of 1894 which killed 418 people and destroyed the town of Hinckley. This week is Wildfire Prevention Week.

The Minnesota DNR is reminding ATV enthusiasts to stay out of the ditches in our area. State law restricts class 1 all-terrain vehicles in ditches in the agricultural zone from April 1st to August 1st.

The federal program that controls wolves that attack or threaten farm animals or pets in Minnesota is in peril because of budget cuts by Congress. Friday's budget agreement in the U.S. Congress effectively eliminates money for the USDA's Wildlife Services program.

In another sign of spring, restrictions on open burning take effect Friday in 19 counties in central Minnesota. The Department of Natural Resources says rapid snowmelt has increased the risk of wildfires, particularly in grassy areas.

One of the snowiest winters in years has taken its toll on some of Minnesota's fish. A phenomenon called "winterkill" happens when the frozen lakes can't get enough sunshine. With no sun, the plants can't create oxygen through photosynthesis and fish die off.

The fishing season will get off to a late start on certain northeastern Minnesota lakes and streams because of the cold winter. The Department of Natural Resources says the expected late ice-out dates will mean delayed spawning.

The Minnesota DNR is trying to get the word out now to sign up for firearms safety education classes. DNR Hunter Education Coordinator Mike Hammer says instructors are calling in and setting up spring training classes now.

The Minnesota DNR has used a federal grant to help track the migration of Minnesota Loons. The DNR put a satellite transmitter on two Loons from St. John's University's Lake Sagatagan. One of the birds died before making it to the Gulf of Mexico. The other is making its way back to Minnesota.

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